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Gasfitter (B) |
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Technical Training Registration for this trade begins on May 18, 2012! Visit the Technical Training Centre to review the Class Schedule and registration details.
Gasfitters size, install, test, adjust and service natural gas and propane equipment ranging from residential furnaces to industrial boilers not exceeding 400,000 British Thermal Units (BTUs).
Gasfitters employed by utility companies repair and extend gas mains, and install, repair and service pipes and fittings between mains and buildings. Those employed by propane distributors install and service propane vaporizers, temporary heating equipment, propane metering and dispensing equipment, and propane pumping equipment. Gasfitters employed by mechanical and service companies install and maintain piping and appliances in residential, commercial and industrial buildings.
Following codes, regulations and accepted safety practices, gasfitters:
Gasfitters may also:
Gasfitters work both indoors and outdoors at physically demanding tasks. They work a 40-hour week with overtime sometimes required for emergencies or to meet construction deadlines.
There may be some risk of injury involved in working with explosive gases and power tools. Safety training is generally provided.
The work is most rewarding for those who enjoy working with little direction or supervision. People in this field also enjoy variety in a job as well as security.
To be successful in this trade, gasfitters need:
Gasfitters are employed in the construction, manufacturing and utilities industries. Employment prospects change with seasonal and economic climates.
Journeyperson wage rates vary, but generally range from $24 to $36 an hour plus benefits.
Experienced gasfitters may advance to supervisory positions such as foreman, maintenance manager or service manager, or start their own contracting businesses.
To work as a Gasfitter (B) in Alberta, a person must be a registered apprentice, an Alberta-certified journeyperson, or hold a valid recognized credential. (see Recognized Trade Certificates)
Gasfitters (B) learn their skills by registering with Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training to participate in apprenticeship training. Upon successful completion, they are awarded the Alberta Journeyman Certificate.
A gasfitter (B) who holds a valid recognized credential that does not have a Red Seal may apply for:
Gasfitters (B) who:
may be eligible to apply for trade certification under the Qualification Certificate Program.
Individuals possessing a valid Alberta Journeyman Certificate, an Alberta Qualification Certificate, an Alberta Occupational Certificate, or a valid recognized credential are eligible to receive a Blue Seal business credential after completing the necessary requirements.
The term of apprenticeship for a gasfitter (B) is 2 years (two 12-month periods) including a minimum of 1500 hours of on-the-job training and 8 weeks of technical training each year.
To learn the skills required of a Gasfitter (B) in Alberta and be issued an Alberta Journeyman Certificate, a person must:
- during on-the-job training, apprentice gasfitters (B) earn at least 90 percent of the journeyperson wage rate in their place of employment in the first year, and 95 percent in the second year.
- select an educational institution that offers training for Gasfitter (B) apprentices, and a time to attend training
- determine requirements for enrolling at the selected institution, and forward completed enrollment form to the selected institution
When apprentices attend technical training, they are required to pay the applicable tuition fee and purchase course supplies.
Grants, scholarships and other financial assistance may be available. For more information see Financial Assistance or contact an Apprenticeship and Industry Training Office.
The Gasfitter (B) trade does not participate in the Interprovincial Standards Red Seal Program.
To qualify for an Equivalency document based on a recognized credential, a person must:
A person who holds a valid recognized credential, as described above, does not require an Alberta Equivalency document to work in the trade in Alberta. However, some employers may require Alberta documentation as proof that the holder is allowed to work in the trade or that the holder's credential is recognized.
To qualify for a Qualification Certificate based on a recognized credential, a person must:
To qualify for an Alberta Qualification Certificate based on work experience, a person must:
Time spent on supervisory or foreman duties, counter work, heading the tool crib, or on a training course is NOT counted as ‘hands-on’ work experience.
This application fee covers the review of the application, the assessment and confirmation of the applicant's work experience hours/months, the administration of the applicant’s demonstration of competency, and one attempt at the Qualification Certificate theory examination. The Qualification Certificate practical examination requires a separate fee as identified on the application noted above.
